_AP_Photo_Alex_Brandon.jpg)
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., walks in the Capitol before heading into a Democratic caucus on health care reform in Washington Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. Does the healthcare bill have a $100 million provision just for her? (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu's (D-LA) healthcare position may soon favor passage of the bill, and the possible reason is written right into the bill.
According to ABC News's Jonathan Karl, Majority Leader Reid's (D-NV) bill has a provision increasing federal Medicaid subsidies for "certain states recovering from a major disaster." The section goes on for two pages defining which "states" would qualify, including states that "during the preceding 7 fiscal years" have been declared a "major disaster area."
How many states does that apply to? Exactly one state: Lousiana, home of Senator Mary Landrieu. In other words the healthcare bill spends two pages describing what could be written in one single word: "Louisiana".
How much is this provision worth to Sen. Landrieu's state? According to the Congressional Budget Office: $100 million.
Landrieu has yet to state her position on the healthcare bill, despite a vote scheduled for Saturday. Majority Leader Reid cannot pass the healthcare legislation without the support and vote of Sen. Landrieu.
For related articles, see also:
Senate healthcare vote expected Saturday
Obama's healthcare and economy ratings plummet in Ohio
Driehaus healthcare reform vote may reward Chabot
House passes healthcare bill 220-215
Pelosi's healthcare bill: get insurance or go to jail
Comments
I am a conservative and a concerned American citizen. I know the health care system needs some tweeks, but a full overhaul of what is now being considered in Congress is something that I feel is very dangerous. Just for the mere fact of the price tag. We cannot afford it and I want Congress to start being fiscially responsible with my money. Stop draining the paying citzens of all our resources. Clear the way for small business to grow.
Goodbye Mary Landrieu. You are selling your vote for money. A lot of people who have to pay for that are not going to appreciate it. Especially since that vote is for a "Health" program that the majority of the citizens of this country do Not want.
$100,000,000 Dollars for a vote! The Senator needs to follow William Jefferson into the ranks of the diselected.
I can't even believe this monstrosity has made it this far. I wonder if any of our elected officials have read the Constitution -- you know, that thing they swore to uphold? It just goes to show you that the rule of law doesn't matter. I guess I shouldn't be surprised...I mean, did you see what Jack Murtha did, faking a count to get his way on a vote? It's just like this scam of a health care bill -- they have the CBO do a 10 year assessment and in the bill, they collect taxes for 10 years, but don't start the 'benefits' for 3+. What a flimflam! You must call your Senators and find out if they're for it against it. Praise them if they're against it and let them have it if they're for it. Constitutionally, this needs to be done on a state level! The way they're cramming this thing down our throats (on a national level), we'll have no way to avoid the crummy health care. We'll be hostages in our own country while the politicians get their Cadillac plans funded by the taxpayer.
I am proud of Senator Landrieu for getting what she can for Louisiana. She is doing her job as a politician. The subsidies are being reduced because of the population changes after Katrina (median income rose)and Mary is helping us to get them back to the original levels, which we need because we still have hundreds of thousands of poor people who need medicaid services. The rise in median income does not tell the whole story.
Does the Examiner have any *progressive* political correspondents? Any at all?
$100 or $100,000. a whore is a whore
$100 or $100,000,000. a whore is a whore
The Democrats are slowly making our country a 3rd world country.
We will be paying MORE not less for healthcare.
Someday China will own us and noone will have healthcare.
VOTE THE DEMOCRATS OUT!
J. G.
Mary Landrieu and all the other DEMs and REPs- stop trying to please what our President wants for the people of this country and start REALISTICALLY pleasing the American people and what they want from our Congress. This starts with healthcare. Our Congress doesn't fully understand all the ramifications and issues that go into passing a serious bill-as this one. They just want to pass it quickly and be done with it- no matter who or what American will be hurt by it. Even our President did not plan around All the issues faced by the healthcare bill to get Congress going on this stupid bill.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!